From the report, re: Syria: "In 2018 Russia is likely looking for ways to get involved in other conflict areas in the Middle East and Africa. The main purpose of such activity is to irritate the West, and not necessarily contribute to the resolution of these conflicts."

From the report: "In the Persian Gulf region, Russia is trying to undermine the US-led regional security architecture. To do so, Russia is trying to benefit from the frictions between the US and its Arab allies concerning, above all, Iran’s role in the region."

"Russia actively supported Libyan National Army led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar, a force opposing UN-supported Libyan unity govt. Russia is also maintaining ties with Libyan unity govt, which understands Russia is equally capable of escalating the conflict as it is of defusing it."

Report's brief summary of how cash-strapped Russia relies on energy firms as an instrument to bend governments

On how Russia aggressively recruits visiting foreigners: "Major international events taking place in Russia – political & economic forums, scientific conferences, youth festivals and sports competitions – play an important role in intelligence collection." 1/3

"Visitors from abroad usually come to such events without family members, live in hotels and feel less inhibited outside official events, which makes it easier
for special services to establish contact and access their personal items such
as telephones and computers." 2/3

"Unsuspecting visitors may not have a clue of what is going on around them in preliminary phase of intel operation. FSB sets up an operational staff that can involve several thousand personnel from intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism and technical support." 3/3

The story of Hugo, an EU businessman who was targeted by the Russian services illustrates the pitfalls of trying to do business in today's Russia

Journalists at Saudi consulate in Istanbul spotting cleaners coming into building just before Turkish investigators are scheduled to arrive to probe Jamal Khashoggi disappearance (via APTN feed)

Cuz the way to preserve the integrity of a possible crime scene and bolster confidence in the investigation is to bring in a bunch of cleaners through the front door before the detectives arrive Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos

Just leaving the Saudi consulate now. A little bit of activity, lots of journalists but no sign yet of Turkish investigators Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos

Incredible rage toward the security forces in Tuyserkan, a county seat of 40,000 in the province of Hamadan. This could be a scene out of Sidi Bouzid seven years ago. Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos

Amazing: In Iran’s city of Rasht protestors chant against the IRGC and Basiji militia while warmly welcoming members of the security forces into their midst Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos

Observation: In three days of Iran protests, not a single green ribbon or banner, no references to Khatami, Mousavi, or Karroubi, no posters or portraits or banners of any sort - but lots of slogans against Khamenei, regime, IRGC.

Related threads

#Putin's opening to this press conference suggests the takeover of southern #Syria by Asad/Iran is a model of U.S.-Russia cooperation that should be expanded, and flatters Trump that his summit with Kim [which Putin very much liked the look of] resolved the Korean Peninsula.

On #Ukraine, Putin hints broadly that the U.S. agrees with him that Kyiv's intransigence prevented Minsk's implementation, and then carefully lets it be known Trump brought up the election meddling, an assist to Trump politically, before of course dismissing it.

Trump frames engagement around U.S.-Russian co-operation in WW2, notes that unfortunate Cold War business, then says: "Our relationship has never been worse ... that changed as of about four hours ago." Says he is being politically brave to do what's right. Lambastes media + Dems

#Russia's most important achievement in #Syria is that it safeguarded the structure of the state and its institutions. And it is through this structure, and through these institutions that the state can reclaim the rest of #Syria. @O_Rich_@ejmalrai

In a recent poll, 58% of Americans support the bombing of Syria and 19% have “no opinion.” This is wonderful news, since it shows how the vast majority of people are easily manipulated and are simply apathetic.

#Russia's UN envoy Nebenzya starts speaking at UNSC meeting on #Syria, alleged #ChemicalAttacks in #Douma, promises "he'd have to say a lot and the delegates'd have to listen"
1."#UK, #France follow #US in destructive policies in SYR, use blackmail, threaten RUS,

2.Even during #ColdWar Western diplomats didn't afford such tone vis-a-vis #Russia, "You understand what you did [in #MIddleEast]?No, you don't!Will you ever stop your geopolitical experiments?Do you understand what dangerous line you are driving the world to?

3.What's next for us?The most dangerous line of the confrontation is in #Syria.
In #EasternGhouta radicals have been terorrizing population for many years. Now people are being freed..But external sponsors prevent this progress.Terrorists wanted to continue blackmailing civilians